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China Reveals Advanced Nuclear Submarine Used in Pacific Missile Test
- •China announced that its most advanced third-generation nuclear submarines were used to test-fire an intercontinental ballistic missile in the Pacific earlier this year.
- •The official Xinhua News Agency released the details and a picture of the July test, which demonstrated the sea-based leg of China's nuclear triad.
- •This marks the first time Beijing has deployed its latest submarines for such a test, drawing criticism from regional nations like Japan and Australia.
- •While authorities did not disclose the specific missile or submarine model, the milestone highlights Beijing's rapid progress in naval defense technology.
Key Questions Answered
China revealed that it used its most advanced third-generation Changzheng series nuclear submarines to successfully test-fire an intercontinental ballistic missile into the Pacific Ocean in July. The unarmed missile carried a dummy warhead and landed precisely in designated international waters as part of a routine annual training exercise.
The missile test drew criticism and concern from regional nations including Japan and Australia, as well as the United States, which pointed to Beijing's rapid and opaque military buildup. While China asserted that the launch complied with international law and was preceded by advance notifications, foreign governments expressed unease over the expanding long-range capabilities.
Prior to July, China had only publicly conducted two known intercontinental ballistic missile tests in the Pacific, and both of those were land-based launches. This event marked the first time Beijing deployed its latest third-generation nuclear submarines to launch a strategic missile into open international waters.
